Former deputy surgeon general Erica Schwartz nominated as new CDC chief

Erica Schwartz, a former deputy surgeon general, has been nominated as the new CDC chief

By Dan Vergano edited by Claire Cameron

The White House has chosen Erica Schwartz, a former Navy doctor, to head the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She previously held the role of deputy surgeon general during the initial Trump administration and served as a rear admiral and chief medical officer in the U.S. Coast Guard.

“It is my Honor to nominate the incredibly talented Dr. Erica Schwartz,” President Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, praising her as a “STAR!” He also announced the appointments of two senior officials to the CDC and another to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Schwartz’s nomination will likely focus on the CDC’s vaccine decision-making during Senate hearings. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., dismissed the previous CDC head, Susan Monarez, after less than a month in office last August. Monarez claims her dismissal was due to her opposition to Kennedy’s vaccine policy overhaul. Since then, various HHS officials, including the National Institutes of Health director Jay Bhattacharya, have temporarily led the agency.

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Should she be confirmed by the Senate, Schwartz will lead the CDC following a turbulent year marked by leadership resignations, loss of expertise, and a violent incident in August where a gunman fired nearly 500 bullets at its headquarters, resulting in the death of a police officer. As of last March, bullet holes were still visible at the CDC.

Schwartz’s approach to public health policy remains uncertain. In the Coast Guard, she spearheaded health initiatives, including vaccination drives for anthrax and smallpox, and developed policies for HIV and biological weapons responses. She also played a key role in the Ebola outbreak response and was a pandemic influenza expert. Schwartz holds a medical degree, a master’s in public health, and a law degree from the University of Maryland.

Georges C. Benjamin, CEO of the American Public Health Association, emphasized Schwartz’s qualifications, stating that her medical and public health expertise aligns with the CDC’s mission to be guided by evidence-based science. He expressed eagerness to collaborate with her to enhance national health outcomes.

The Trump administration has recently sought to moderate RFK, Jr.’s anti-vaccine rhetoric, which has alienated voters, by adopting a “low-risk messaging diet” ahead of midterm elections, according to Bloomberg. Schwartz, known for supporting vaccines, may represent a cautious choice for the CDC leadership. Her nomination follows the delayed confirmation of wellness influencer Casey Means for U.S. surgeon general, sparked by Means’ evasive stance on vaccines during her Senate hearing. The White House’s support for Means has reportedly wavered in recent weeks.

At a House Committee on Appropriations hearing, RFK, Jr., backed Means, describing her as “not a political person,” and urged the Senate to confirm her. He also voiced support for the CDC director nominee to restore the agency’s direction.

Editor’s Note (4/16/26): This story is in development and may be updated.

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